Column: Make executions public again

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No, not really. But what if we did? If we, as a society that prides ourselves as progressive and forward-thinking, still condone the execution of our fellow citizens, why does it matter if it is hidden behind dark walls in remote prisons?

Many states have attempted to phase out the death penalty. In fact, because of challenges to lethal injection, North Carolina has not put an inmate to death since 2006.

But the policy remains law, and even our Democratic Attorney General, Josh Stein, supports the practice.

If North Carolinians do believe that capital punishment is an acceptable avenue of punishment, make them public.

Death is a part of life, and we should not shy away from it, but when the government is able to execute its own citizens, it should not be out of sight.